On the Feast of Corpus Christi we need to ask ourselves this question:
Are we hungry for God and for the abundant life he offers us? Jesus put his
disciples in a difficult spot when he commanded them to do what seemed
impossible – to feed a large and hungry crowd when there was no adequate
provision of food in sight. Jesus, no doubt wanted to test their faith and to
teach them to rely upon God for their provision. The signs which Jesus did,
including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified that God the
Father had indeed sent his only begotten Son as the anointed Prophet, King, and
Savior for his people. Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle
recorded in all four gospels. What is the significance of this miracle? The
miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of
manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This
food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his
followers. Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of
heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The feeding of the
five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness
towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for
ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those in
need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do
you trust in God's provision for you and do you share freely with others,
especially those who lack?
When at the Last Supper Jesus described his blood “poured out for many
for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28), he was explaining his coming
crucifixion as a sacrifice for sins. His death on the cross fulfilled the
sacrifice of the paschal lamb. That is why John the Baptist called him the
“Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Jesus made himself an
offering and sacrifice, a gift that was truly pleasing to the Father. He
“offered himself without blemish to God” (Hebrews 9:14) and “gave himself as a
sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). This meal was a memorial of his death and
resurrection. LET US PRAY: Lord Jesus,
you are the "Bread of Life" and the "Cup of Salvation".
Fill us with gratitude and longing for the true Bread of Heaven which gives
strength and healing for body and soul.
A NOTE ABOUT MY JOURNEY: I am writing this note to you on May 28 at
6:30 AM, awaiting clearance from my surgeon to be discharged. The last 22 days
have been at times, painful, trying, stressful, nerve-wracking and even
frightening for many reasons. However, as I wrote the prayer above the word gratitude
sticks out in my mind. I entered the hospital on May 6th for day
surgery to clear the blockages on my left side. It turned out that there were
more issues to deal with than first realized. After 5 attempts, the surgery to
clear my arteries finally worked but it was discovered during the final surgery
that I have a clotting problem. This has been addressed and I will continue to
work on this issue with a newly assigned hematologist. This issue will not
affect my work except I will be running to the doctor more often than ever
before having tests, giving blood and adjusting medications. I go back to the
word, gratitude......
One of my nurses asked me this morning how I am doing and I replied, “I
feel great because I am alive, breathing, and walking out of here today feeling
so well and with both feet.” I will be ever grateful to all of the doctors,
nurses, volunteers, my new hematologist and endocrinologist, dieticians,
diabetic educators, PCA’s, cleaning staff, the wound care team,
physiotherapists and the clinical leaders on the floor, Brenda and Sue, that I have encountered since my first
surgery on April 8th. They are an amazing, brilliant, dedicated and
compassionate group of people. I cannot
praise them or thank them enough for everything they have done for me. Their sense of service and dedication goes
beyond anything I have seen for many years. I also feel a sense of gratitude
for the many notes, cards, signatures on the large card, phone calls and, in
particular, the many, visits I received over the past 22 days. Some were casual visits, others were to give
me Holy Communion and others to just sit and be with me. I hope you know how
much it meant to me every time you came to see me!! I must thank the official hospital chaplain,
Fr. Chako, for his daily visits and prayers. He is truly a dedicated hospital
chaplain!!
I will go to Whitby today for about 5 weeks with home care clearing 2
infections from the surgery. I will have all the staples removed by my surgeon
this coming Tuesday and will also be improving my mobility and trying the
stairs in the stairwell in a couple of weeks. Please continue to pray for me. I
know that the greatest challenges are now behind me and I am looking forward to
returning soon. I also know that there is much to do from here on in as the
doctor said, “You now need to take charge of your health issues instead of your
health issues taking charge of you”. How
true that is. I know that I have many challenges and issue ahead of me to deal
with but I also know that facing these issues will only make me stronger and
healthier.
Fr. Phil
